11th Palestinians in Europe Conference to Convene in Belgium

Preparations are under way to convene the 11th Palestinians in Europe Conference in Belgium on Saturday 18th May 2013. The annual conference is organized by the General Secretariat of the Palestinians in Europe Conference, The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC).

This year’s title for the conference is, “Signs of Return is blossoming” in reference to the Palestinian Refugees right of return.

The one day conference will run from 10am to 10pm with participation from a number of prominent organizations and speakers. Around 10 thousands Palestinians in addition to Arab/Muslim and European communities are expected to take part at the event.

Adil Abduallah, Chair of the General Secretariat of the Palestinians in Europe Conference, said “the one-day conference will include workshops, discussion sessions, folklore and Palestinian bazaar. It will be a remainder for Palestinians of their homeland despite their long exile”.

Conference coordinator, Amir Awawda, stated that committees have been formed to organize the conference and already speakers and the various organizations who will take part are confirmed.

President of the Conference and PRC General Director, Majed al Zeer commented on the title of the conference and said,

“The title of the conference is very symbolic and it reflects the desire and belief of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and towns from where they were forcibly expelled in 1948. Local, regional and international political environments are changing and this is a push from the global Palestinian community of their desire to return.

The Palestinian Return Centre is an independent consultancy focusing on the historical, political and legal aspects of the Palestinian Refugees. The organization offers expert advice to various actors and agencies on the question of Palestinian Refugees within the context of the Nakba - The catastrophe following the forced displacement of Palestinians in 1948 - and serves as an information repository on other related aspects of the Palestine question and the Arab-Israeli conflict. It specializes in the research, analysis, and monitoring of issues pertaining to the dispersed Palestinians and their internationally recognized legal right to return.